The OWWA Tabang OFW Program, a joint initiative by CHED, UNIFAST, DOLE, and OWWA, was launched in 2020 as a response to the hardships faced by Overseas Filipino Workers and their families due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This aims to provide a one-time financial grant of PHP 30,000 to college-level dependents of migrant Filipino workers who have been repatriated, experienced job loss, or succumbed to COVID-19, supporting their continued education amidst the crisis. With a PHP 1 billion budget, it targets aiding over 30,000 students, making significant strides toward alleviating the educational disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Designed for the dependents of migrant workers, specifically unmarried children under the age of 30 for married OFWs, and single child/sibling/niece under the age of 30 for single OFWs, the initiative aligns with the Philippine government’s commitment to upholding the welfare of its overseas workers and their families during crises. Applicants are required to meet specific criteria, including being Filipino citizens, meeting their university’s admission and retention criteria, and not being recipients of any other government scholarship awards. The comprehensive support provided by the Tabang OFW Program not only showcases the government’s dedication to its citizens abroad but also fosters hope and ensures the continuity of education for the youth affected by the pandemic’s economic fallout.
What is the OWWA Tabang OFW Program?
The OWWA Tabang OFW Program is a collaborative initiative by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Unified Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act (UNIFAST), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Launched in 2020, this is a direct response to the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Overseas Filipino Workers and their families.
It aims to provide one-time financial assistance of PHP 30,000 to college-level children of migrant workers who have been repatriated, lost their jobs, or passed away due to COVID-19. The Philippine government has allocated a PHP 1 billion budget to support this initiative, aiming to assist over 30,000 students.
Significance of the Program
The OWWA Tabang OFW Program, launched to aid repatriated migrant Filipino workers and their dependents, holds immense significance. With over 2,000 dependents receiving financial aid and holistic support in 2020-2021, it empowers them to pursue education despite hardship. This aligns with the Migrant Workers Act and addresses a critical need, offering a lifeline for continued education and future employment opportunities. While long-term impact data is still developing, its significance in fostering hope and paving a brighter future for repatriated families is undeniable.
Legal Basis
The legal foundation for the Tabang OFW Program stems from the Philippine government’s commitment to support migrant workers and their families, especially during crises. President Rodrigo Duterte, in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27, 2020, and during a meeting of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, directed CHED and DOLE to extend aid to OFWs affected by the pandemic. This directive includes providing scholarships and training for dependents of OFWs who returned to the Philippines due to job loss or death caused by COVID-19.
Benefits
The primary benefit of the Tabang OFW Program is the one-time cash assistance of PHP 30,000 for one college-level dependent of an those migrant workers affected by the pandemic. This financial aid is designed to support the educational needs of the beneficiary, ensuring that the pandemic does not halt their pursuit of higher education.
Eligibility / Qualifications
Eligible beneficiaries for this initiative are dependents of OFWs who:
- Are Filipino citizens.
- Are unmarried children under the age of 30 for married OFWs, or single child/sibling/niece under the age of 30 for single OFWs.
- Meet their university’s current admission and retention criteria.
- Are enrolled in a CHED-approved undergraduate post-secondary program.
- Are not recipients of any other government scholarship award.
Requirements
Applicants must provide the following documents:
- Proof of enrollment, including the Enrollment Assessment Form (EAF), Certificate of Registration (COR), and Certificate of Enrollment (COE).
- Official documentation proving the OFW’s repatriation, displacement, or death due to COVID-19, as certified by DOLE.
- Proof of dependent relationship, such as birth certificates or marriage contracts.
- An affidavit stating that no dependent is a recipient of a government scholarship or award.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Benefit from OWWA Tabang OFW Program
- Online Application: Visit the official website https://ease.owwa.gov.ph to access the Tabang OFW application form.
- Document Submission: Complete the application form and upload all required documents online or submit them through courier services to the nearest OWWA regional office.
- Application Tracking: Use the Tabang OFW Tracker Online https://tabangtracker.owwa.gov.ph to monitor the status of your application.
- Notification of Approval: Await a message from DOLE or OWWA regarding the status of your application. If approved, instructions on how to claim the financial grant will be provided.
- Claim Financial Assistance: Receive the PHP 30,000 cash aid through the designated Money Exchange Center.
Success Stories / Recent Updates
OFW Dependent Turns OWWA Scholar
Nica Angelou Cayamba, the daughter of OFW Lucy Cayamba, has been granted a scholarship under the Tabang OFW program and Project EASE. Nica, a first-year student at the University of Mindanao, received educational assistance amounting to PhP30,000.00 for each tranche under TABANG OFW and PhP10,000.00 under EASE. The scholarship has greatly relieved Nica’s financial burden and has allowed her to pursue her dream of becoming a professional social worker.
OWWA Director Atty. Edelyn A. Dungan-Claustro, NCR Director Ma.Teresa B. Capa, and OIC of Internal Audit Carmelita T. Raquiza recognize beneficiaries of the TABANG OFW during the OWWA Regional Launching of Programs and Services in Quezon City.
Discover the TABANG-OFW program, a government initiative designed to assist overseas Filipino workers during the pandemic. Learn who qualifies for this initiative and the step-by-step process to avail of its benefits. Join us in the latest episode of OWWA AT YOUR SERVICE for all the answers.
Video: Tabang OFW: EDUCATION SUBSIDY SA ANAK NG OFW NGAYONG PANDEMYA
Here’s an inspiring update from one of the OWWA Tabang OFW program scholars. Despite this initiative being one of the more recent ones, its impact can already be seen through stories of hope and success such as this one. Listen to Region IV-A scholar Jon Iverson Ledesma’s story in this short feature.Â
Conclusion
The OWWA Tabang OFW Program stands as a support system for the educational advancement of OFW dependents amidst the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. By offering financial assistance, this not only alleviates the economic burdens faced by OFW families but also ensures that the educational aspirations of their children remain within reach. As this initiative continues to unfold, it symbolizes the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the welfare of OFWs and their families, reinforcing the value of education as a cornerstone for future success.